The Silver Lake, CA Neighborhood Guide

Get Take Sunset’s take with the Silver Lake, CA neighborhood guide, including what it’s like to live here, advice on buying a home, and where to eat, shop, and play. Explore the full guide, or skip to:

Take Sunset’s Take on Silver Lake, CA

Popular without being touristy and near everything without being in the middle of it all, Silver Lake attracts people who want the best of California living: an indie, authentic culture, a beautiful natural setting, and architectural homes that are works of art.

Distinguished by its parklands, hilly neighborhoods, and winding streets, Silver Lake’s most noticeable feature is its expansive water reservoir. Coupled with the terrain, the neighborhood offers excellent views whether you’re looking down from the hills along the water or across at LA’s most recognizable landmarks.

Silver Lake is close to downtown LA, Hollywood, and other favored areas of town. We frequently see professionals from creative fields settling in the area for its convenience and lifestyle. Silver Lake offers an excellent dining scene and retail with character through its boutique shopping and local independent stores. Sunset Junction is the “downtown” section. It’s both sociable and walkable and provides residents with shopping and entertainment venues.

Many of the homes in Silver Lake are rare works of art constructed in the mid-century modern style. Famed architects such as Richard Neutra began building in the area in the mid-1900s, helping define a design aesthetic that has only become more popular over time. Many of the original owners of these homes are still in the neighborhood. To learn more, check out Take Sunset’s featured listings of mid-century modern homes for sale in Los Angeles.

Buying a Home in Silver Lake, CA

Take Sunset recommends that you get pre-approved for a home loan before you get serious about buying. Listings in Silver Lake tend to move quickly because of high interest in the neighborhood, and you don’t want to lose your dream property because of a hold-up with the lender.

Different architectural styles, streets, and areas within Silver Lake offer different benefits, and working with a local real estate agent who really knows the terrain can provide you with a lot of advantages. An expert will have insight into when properties will become available and which locations and houses might best fit your needs.

Typically, Take Sunset recommends that buyers who want to be in Silver Lake, CA make strong offers, potentially over the asking price. Areas overlooking or near the reservoir, such as the Moreno Highlands, and properties near Sunset Junction tend to be popular. Families with children usually want to buy within the boundaries of the excellent Ivanhoe school district.

Lawson-Fenning East 1618 Silver Lake Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026Choose from an amazing assortment of home decor and furniture.

The Satellite 1717 Silver Lake Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026Looking for a fun dive venue to see indie rock? Look no further than The Satellite.

Activities and Entertainment in Silver Lake, CA

Silver Lake Reservoir 1854 to 2246 Silver Lake Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026A central feature of the neighborhood, the reservoir is an ideal place for a walk or run. In the meadow, you’ll find a great spot for picnics, Frisbee, and relaxing in the sun.

The Lyric Hyperion Theatre & Café 2106 Hyperion Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027Café by day and theatre by night, The Lyric Hyperion offers events and entertainment in an intimate setting.